Tehran does not want war but is ready, Iran FM says

Darya Safai, an Iranian-born member of Belgium’s parliament, told Iran International that exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi’s call for protests at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday would be decisive for Iran’s future and what she described as a national revolution.

She said people had already shown they want a secular government, adding that many Iranians see Prince Pahlavi as a symbol of unity and believe his historical background gives him legitimacy to lead a transitional period.

“The Islamic Republic has reached its end point, and after 47 years the Iranian nation is ready for a final battle. Forty-seven years of rule by the Islamic Republic was a historical mistake, and the Iranian nation is rewriting its own history.”

Security forces fired directly at protesters in the city of Qazvin, northwest of Tehran, on Wednesday night, according to a video received by Iran International.

US Republican Congressman Keith Self said that Iran's theocratic rulers face imminent end as protesters take to the streets.

“The days of the theocratic rulers of Iran are numbered. As protesters fill the streets, the Ayatollah would be wise to read the writing on the wall and realize that the time for change has come,” the Republican House member from Texas posted on Wednesday on X.

"The Iranian people are more determined than ever to overthrow the regime and this time, the people have the upper hand. I believe this time the people are willing to make the sacrifice that will lead to a more free society," he added.

A White House official said on background on Wednesday that the United States will respond with force if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, citing recent military operations as evidence of the Trump administration's resolve.

"The President has been clear: If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, they will get hit very hard," the official told Iran International.

"The President has demonstrated with Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve that he means what he says," the official added.

The US State Department praised an anonymous individual in Tehran who named a street after President Trump, signaling Washington's support for the Iranian people's aspirations for freedom and prosperity.

"We appreciate the action of an anonymous individual in Tehran to name a street after President Trump,” US State Department Persian account posted on X on Wednesday.

“The United States respects the voice and aspirations of the Iranian people. We remain committed to supporting their efforts to achieve greater freedom, prosperity, and opportunity,” the post added.